Directed b: Larysa Kondracki
Starring: Rachel Weisz, Vanessa Redgrave, Benedict Cumberbatch, David Strathairn, Monica Bellucci
Distributed by: 20th Century Fox
MPAA Rating: R
Running time: 112 minutes
Film: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1 out of 5 stars
Honestly, the driving factor for me to watch this film was really only the cast. After watching it that hunch was proven, great acting was definitely the driving force for this film. The subject matter in this film is definitely intense dealing with human-trafficking but film feels like it drags in the middle and could have used a few tweaks in the pacing. First-time director Larysa Kondracki definitely shows her passion for the subject since it is based around a true story but misses the thrilling aspect for the film itself.
The film follows Kathy Bolkovac, a policewoman (Weisz), who takes a job as a peacekeeper in Bosnia, finds out that she is about to enter a whole new world of crime. She risks her job and life to help to uncover and bring to notice a child sex-slave and human-trafficking scandal, which even includes the United States involvement.
The Blu-ray video is decent and has a gritty look though which adds to the film. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 sound is decent but nothing to call home about. The only extra found on this Blu-ray unfortunately is called “Kathy Bolkovac: The Real Whistleblower”. It is a short featurette with interviews with the real Kathy Bolkovac, as well as Rachel Weisz, and the film’s writers and director. Overall, unless you are aware of this true story and find its topic interesting, I would steer clear.
